Weeds have been known as a gardener’s enemy for centuries, but why? Well, weeds prohibit your plants’ ability to have a long and healthy life. In fact, they grow faster than regular plants, outcompeting your plants for sunlight, water, and soil nutrients. In the prevalence of weeds, your garden plants will never be able to thrive or even survive. Not to mention, they aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing specimens. 

Now that you understand why it’s important to maintain your garden. Let’s talk about how to do it.

First things first!  Due to the weeds’ fast growth rate, it is important to stay on top of them. It is less daunting to weed your garden when they are only 1-2 inches tall rather than at knee-high length. Many experts recommend spending at least 5-10 minutes a day cleaning up your garden to avoid a weed pile up in the future. 

Another pro tip is to weed after it rains. Additionally, in order to prevent weeds, you need to understand how they spread. For most plants, they spread by seed, runners, or roots. Knowing which method they use to grow - gives you the power to stop it! For example, if after research you find that the weeds in your garden spread by seed, removing them BEFORE their flowers die off and seeds start to form is the key. 

READ: Top 3 Renovations To Boost Your Property’s Value

Covering your gardens with mulch is not only aesthetically pleasing but also weed preventative. The mulch suppresses weeds by blocking the sunlight they need to grow. Also, spacing your plants at an optimal distance from one another is very important. If your plants are too close, you may block sunlight from invading weeds, while running the risk of your plants spreading illnesses to one another. Too far, it creates an optimal environment for weed growth. 

READ: Patio Season Decor Tips

Google can be your best friend when it comes to research. Many websites offer full rundowns on yard maintenance. Plant identification apps are also widely available. When physically pulling the weeds, check out your local hardware stores for weeder tools that make the process less physically strenuous. Finally, if you don’t want to roll up your sleeves, there are plenty of landscaping companies who can come to your doorstep and fix the weed problems for you!

Be aware of your options, and educate yourself on the topic in order to have a well-maintained garden. If you’re thinking of selling, this is prime time for you to take action. As superficial as it may sound, the curb appeal of your front lawn may sway your property value by $10,000 or more.